The trace mineral chromium is an essential component of glucose tolerance factor (GTF). Chromium Picolinate provides beneficial dietary support for blood sugar regulation, keeping your blood levels balanced in-between meals so you are less likely to snack. A deficiency in chromium results in glucose intolerance. Chromium contributes to the prevention of adult-onset diabetes. It might also facilitate the binding of insulin to the cell membrane. It has been shown to decrease sugar cravings and is considered an effective treatment against both hypoglycemia and diabetes by improving glucose tolerance, increasing cell sensitivity to insulin and reducing circulating insulin levels. Recent studies also point to chromium supplementation as a potential treatment for acne. People with severe forms of acne are thought to have a low glucose tolerance and / or insulin insensitivity of the skin.

Research also indicates chromium's role in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels and improves the LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio, according to Dr. Jeoffry Gordon in San Deigo, California. Subsequent research supports this and suggests a greater role for chromium in the treatment and prevention of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

The supplement form chromium picolinate has gained attention because of its body composition benefits. In other words, it helps improve the physique by decreasing total body fat and maintaining or increasing lean body mass. Careful analyses of several recent clinical studies revealed that a daily intake of 200 micrograms may not always be adequate to cause a statistically significant change in body composition, and that chromium picolinate supplementary primarily benefit two populations: the moderately obese and young athletes. The studies on each of these group found those taking 400 mcg daily achieved greater success than those on placebos or 200 mcg. Supplementation alone is unlikely to make a fat person thin, but when combined with low-fat food choices and aerobic exercise, it can be a decisive component of an overall strategy for long-term weight control.

U.S. Government studies show that the diets of nine out of ten Americans are deficient in chromium, containing less than the minimum safe and adequate amount established by the Nutritional Research Council (50-200 micrograms / day). Further, there is a general deficiency of chromium in the soil contents, especially in Asia. The problem is even worse for dieters who restrict their calories and reduce their nutritional intake. The same goes for athletes whose nutritional requirements are greater than most people.

Food processing also removes up to 80% of the chromium in foods, and less than two percent of dietary chromium is actually absorbed. Even by eating well, it is difficult to replenish depleted chromium stores.

Foods rich in biologically active chromium (the form that activates insulin action) are Brewer's yeast, black pepper, liver and wheatgerm. But even Brewer's yeast, the richest known source of biologically active chromium in nature, contains only a few micrograms of chromium per gram. Less than 10% of this is in the biologically active form. Higher potencies of biologically active chromium are available in Chromium Picolinate which is absorbed significantly better than ordinary dietary chromium.